Explore the inspiring journey of Seema Biswas who broke the barriers of language, distance and stereotypes to chase her dreams and became one of the well known actors of Indian cinema.
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Seema Biswas is one of a kind actress from Assam who has set an example for the budding artists with her dedication and passion for acting. She is one of the finest actors of Indian cinema setting a mark through her bold acts and versatility over the years.
Seema Biswas a popular name in the theatre and film industry. She was born in Nalbari, Assam. She received her political science bachelor’s degree from Nalbari College in Assam. She then enrolled in the dramatic arts program at the National School of Drama in New Delhi. Shekhar Kapur offered her a role in his film Bandit Queen after seeing her act with the NSD Repertory Company, which led to her big break. Shekhar Kapoor approached Seema backstage during the play “khoobsurat Bahu” rehearsals to compliment her on her performance and give her the part
Childhood memories
Seema Biswas was a troubled child and would have liked to live by herself when she was younger. She grew up with siblings but very few people knew about her existence in the family due to her introverted nature. Her father and she had a lovely relationship because he encouraged her to take dance courses and spent time with her.
Her greatest source of inspiration, however, came from her mother, Meera Biswas. She was a pioneer figure of the female theatre artists of Assam. Seema regularly went to the Nalbari Art School with her mother, who taught history. A flame was lit in her heart when she witnessed her mother performing and dancing with such beauty.
Little Seema began talking to herself because she was so captivated to music, daydreaming of dancing on that stage and getting cheers. Veterans like Bhupen Hazarika, Phaneesh Sharma, and Bishnu Prasad Rabha attended her residence.
New beginnings
Perhaps a mother’s intuition is always correct? When Seema was a teenager, a local theater approached her mother and asked for permission to cast her in a play. Her mother consented without asking. Seema had her stage debut at the age of 15, and she has since participated in several productions.
Seema Biswas was first exposed to theater in a formal setting during a workshop led by an NSD alumnus. Her poor Hindi and English vocabulary was the first challenge she faced in NSD. She asked one of her fellow classmates for assistance, and the two of them practiced for hours.
Struggling artists and empty stomach
Seema’s parents concluded that she had had enough theater and should instead concentrate on going back to her hometown to pursue a legal career after witnessing her struggles in Delhi. Seema disregarded her parents’ advice and spent seven years as a star performer with the NSD Repertory Company.
Knowing the state of her family’s finances, she assured her parents that she would make a living in Delhi with what little she had. She lived off of bread, eggs and minimum expenses for years, skipping meals.
Bandit Queen owning the throne
She gained widespread recognition for her performance as Phoolan Devi is Shekhar Kapur’s highly successful 1994 film Bandit Queen. The movie was based on the true story of Phoolan Devi, a member of a lower caste who experienced prejudice and sexual abuse in her community. She ends up becoming a respected gang boss as a result of a series of circumstances.
Seema Biswas was first hesitant to work on the movie because of its sensitive scenes, but after giving it much thought for 6 months, she ultimately approved of it. Shooting for such a bold and progressive film was itself a task and she also had to face some controversies regarding her bold scenes in the movie. It deeply saddened her that time. She used to cry all night long since so many people had started to despise her and insult her.
Following Bandit Queen’s filming, Seema Biswas brought an uncut video for her relatives to watch. As the tape was playing, Seema shut all the doors, switched out the lights, and pretended to fall asleep on her mother’s lap. There was silence when the tape ended. After a moment of stillness, her father turned to face her and replied, “Only our Seema could do that“.
That was enough for her to continue her passion and unapologetically pursue her career in movies.
Seema and her Versatility
Seema Biswas made history in 2011 by being the first female actor from India to play a transsexual character in a motion picture. It was a 2011 movie called “Queens! Destiny of Dancing.”
Seema has acted across several multilingual films over the years. From Tamil to Malayali to Konkani to Assamese, she has shown how a versatile and true artist can shape their art into a profound piece.
Awards and recognition
In 1996, Seema Biswas took home the Best Actress National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Bandit Queen. In 2000, she was also bestowed with the Sangit Natak Academy Prize. She got the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Khamoshi” in 1996 for her performance as Flavy, a deaf and dumpy woman.
In 2003, she won a Canadian Screen Award for outstanding supporting actress for “Midnight’s Children,” and in 2006, she won a Canadian Oscar for her film “Water.” Sandeep Marwaha, a director, has awarded Seema Biswas a Life Membership in the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television.
Seema Biswas has shown perseverance and hard work to achieve all the love and recognition that she has now, she has slept empty stomach at nights and fought several inner battles to be where she is presently. A true artist who loves her work and courageous enough to fight for her ambitions.
Rimjim Bora is a passionate researcher, writer, and storyteller. Being an Assamese, she feels the pride and enthusiasm for writing blogs and stories promoting Assam, Assamese culture, food, and lifestyle. Contact Rimjim at rimjim@diversityassam.com.
